UAE’s street art offers a glimpse into the past — in pictures

More than a dozen buildings along December 2 street have been transformed with murals. Christopher Pike / The National

Street art along December 2 stretti n Al Satwa in Dubai commemorates the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed. Christopher Pike / The National

Murals line the E10 motorway in Al Raha in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National

Street art in Al Raha celebrates Emirati culture. Christopher Pike / The National

A mural along the E10 motorway in Al Raha showcases elements of the UAE’s heritage. Christopher Pike / The National

Artists from around the world have been involved in transforming the buildings along December 2 Street in Satwa into giant canvases. Christopher Pike / The National

A mural on December 2 Street in Dubai. Christopher Pike / The National

Street art on December 2 Street in Al Satwa. Christopher Pike / The National

Al Dhiyafa Street in the buzzing Al Satwa area of Dubai became December 2 Street in 2011 to mark the 40th National Day. Today, it hosts inventive artistic expressions of Emirati and Arab culture which sometimes greet visitors from the most unexpected corners and perspectives. Christopher Pike / The National

More than a dozen buildings and walls along December 2 street have been transformed with murals. Christopher Pike / The National

The walls are alive. There is a new initiative to include street art across the country showcasing the rich and vibrant history of the UAE. Along the E10 motorway in Al Raha and 2nd Za’abeel road in Satwa, these commissioned works of art allow offer a glimpse into the past. By showcasing sophisticated works of art through this medium, the UAE is showing paying homage to its heritage and demonstrating leadership in creative art in the region.